Grieving After Baby's
Death
QUESTION: My husband and I had a son who
died when he was four days old. My husband has recently moved out of
our room to sleep on the sofa and he refuses to talk to me about our
son. I know he's grieving, and he knows I'm here for him to talk, but
he doesn't want to connect with me. I'm really beginning to worry about
my husband. I love him so much, but I'm afraid his grief will tear our
marriage apart. What can I do?
ANSWER: You are right to be worried about your marriage.
Your grief must be shared or it is likely to drive you apart.
First, reach out to your husband about your concern
for your marriage. Let him know that you are not only grieving your
child, but that you are missing him deeply at this time. Express your
concern for your relationship, but approach him, softly. Refrain from
criticism, or anything he might interpret as blame. Instead, show
him your vulnerability and sadness about his withdrawal in a gentle
manner, that clearly communicates your love.
If your words have no influence, put your feelings
on paper. Write him a letter, again letting him know that you miss
him and need him by your side, now more than ever. Express your desire
to mourn with him, rather than alone. Let him know that, while you
have lost your child, you do not want to lose him, too.
Although it is natural for husbands and wives to
mourn differently, it is critical that spouses turn towards each other,
rather than away from each other in time of crisis. How the two of
you connect through this period will either strengthen, or threaten
your bond.
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Gayle Peterson, MSSW, LCSW, PhD is a family therapist specializing in prenatal and family development. She trains professionals in her prenatal counseling model and is the author of An Easier Childbirth, Birthing Normally and her latest book, Making Healthy Families. Her articles on family relationships appear in professional journals and she is an oft-quoted expert in popular magazines such as Woman's Day, Mothering and Parenting. . She also serves on the advisory board for Fit Pregnancy Magazine.
Dr. Gayle Peterson has written family columns for ParentsPlace.com, igrandparents.com, the Bay Area's Parents Press newspaper and the Sierra Foothill's Family Post. She has also hosted a live radio show, "Ask Dr. Gayle" on www.ivillage.com, answering questions on family relationships and parenting. Dr. Peterson has appeared on numerous radio and television interviews including Canadian broadcast as a family and communications expert in the twelve part documentary "Baby's Best Chance". She is former clinical director of the Holistic Health Program at John F. Kennedy University in Northern California and adjunct faculty at the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco. A national public speaker on women's issues and family development, Gayle Peterson practices psychotherapy in Oakland, California and Nevada City, California. She also offers an online certification training program in Prenatal Counseling and Birth Hypnosis. Gayle and is a wife, mother of two adult children and a proud grandmother of three lively boys and one sparkling granddaughter..
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